The Marlboro democrat. [volume] (Bennettsville, S.C.) 1882-1908, 1887-02-02


"Slr," ho answers, ''do you imag inc
the Prlnce Borgheso would soil his
hands with fighting with any adventurcr
that may present himselfpn
do I understand you to refuse2,
says the stranger, quietly.
II do; and let me tell you that If YOU
DO not leave us Immediately, I will call
tho lackeys to kick you into the
street,
Beware, sir" Gays the young man,
excitodly, show -, keep ON adding
your insults. You refused You Will
not spare the princess the pain Of see
ing me strike YOU before all these peo-
pie. You rcfuse to meet me, so be
1t. Am I unknownp Ask
Ask the princess if she knows me. 1
think she did once, If she has not for
gotten.''
The prince. livid and furious, turns
to the latter, who has drawn little to
one side and is leaning against tho
balustrade, a calm witness to the
scene.
us this true?" says the prince, "do
You know this man, Vera?"
Eyes, once,r she answers, In a low
voice.
"Ah, that alters it'll" he says, turning
to the stranger. II am entirely at your
service when you Will"
Tomorrow, then, by sunrise, at tlso
Borghese gardens"
"Very we'll; as you have many
things to set In order, beg you to OK
cuse mo; az rccoir.'' Saying this, lie
turns OH his heel. II think the night
air is rather cool. Had we not better
70 III, Vera2" Sho takes his arm, but
gives q quick glance over her shoulder
from the stranger to u white speck on
the ground; he takes her meaning. goes
to the spot, and picks up a small piece
Of the order Of dancing; he takes 1t to
the light and reads.
He gives a start Of JOY as he sees tho
following words;
"Come to my house after the ball to-
night. Corso, No. 1913. wish to 500
you. ""
1t Is late that night when the ball
breaks up and Princess Vera's carriage
rolls up TO her door. She gets out and
slowly walks up the steps and into the
parlor. The young man who is to fight
a duel in few hours is waiting for
her. He rises as she enters.
Raphael" she says, in musical
tones. "is this the way you forget your
old friends in Rome, and never come
near meP''
"Friendsp" he answers. Say, yos.
Is (ho pfincea3 sti(i one Of tholo?f
"Ca0 500 aek {" BHa nulu1uls.
! NNl.Np WD last un:G~--..p
7 5"Ye' yes, I know. i houid ?7io! aeii
( my own mind then YoItull niS you
loved me. / smiled thGn found opt
differently since
What do you mean1' he says, with
a joyful look on his melancholy face.
when wanted you moro than any
thing-any one-you had gone, mono
knew whittier"
''Whatl do you mean that ydal glsa 3
mep DO not repol my love-do not
spnrn me because. when you told me
before. did not know that you alone
possessed my heart. Forgive me,n she
says, imploringly.
Forgive you?" ho repeats, in a
dazed way. son, the Joy Of this mo-
mcnt would repay lifetime of suffer
ing. Oh, Vera, my qucenln ho says.
and takes her in his arms. and in each
others embrace they sit together in the
mellow light Of the lamps and forp ct
everything.
Vera" says Raphael. suddenly,
what is the prince to youpn
Nothing" SHE answers.
Then it is not true that You are to
marry him2"
"Can you ask mo, after what I lave
told you2"
II believe you," he says trusringly.
And to think that in a few hours
You are 10 fight him-tle best shot in
Rome! TO think that you may be
killed. Oh, cannct bear the
thoughtl'
"Do not think Of it, darling. To-day
I wished to die; now I feel am inyul-
nerable and will be victorious. am
protected by happiness and loye.''
"May heaven grant It'll Now that I